In Memoriam – Bette Alburger

In 2025, the Press Club bid farewell to a true lady, a gifted journalist, dear friend, and mentor: former Press Club President, Bette Alburger.

“Friends for Life” is printed on a small Italian dish that Bette gifted Diane McNitt. Thankful for their endearing friendship, Diane was honored that her eulogy for Bette, found below, was read at Bette’s memorial service. Many Press Club members paid their respects and viewed displays of mementos from Bette’s remarkable journalism career.

Eulogy shared at the memorial service:

My friendship with Bette began when I met her as Press Club president in 2000, more than 25 years ago. As she once taught me, I say “more than” rather than “over,” since over is a direction. 

We all know Bette was a gifted wordsmith, and one word that held special meaning between us was Sparkle. Unbeknownst to her, two weeks before our 2000 January Press Club meeting, I had surgery to remove a stage-two colon cancer tumor. Wanting to be with my peers, I attended the meeting, and upon greeting me, Bette, in her soft, calming voice, said, “You lost your sparkle.” 

She helped me regain and maintain my sparkle through her continuous kindness, generosity, and friendship. She often teased how lucky she was to have such a “young friend.” We were both lucky!

When I started my business, she interviewed me at a Delco Chamber of Commerce’s “Women in Business” event. When I wanted to increase awareness of colon cancer in those under 50, she wove her magic with words. When I was taking care of my mom and selling my family home, she offered her shore condo to me so I could get some much-needed respite and lifted my spirits with her heart-warming, encouraging notes (Which I still treasure!)

Bette sparkled as my mentor. She taught this advertising copywriter how to write my press releases in the AP style for the newspapers. (Use “it” instead of “they” when describing something like a bank, a school, or other institution.) 

She was always thanking me for driving her to and from Press Club events with her thoughtful cards (I have saved them too!) and invited me to join her for meals at Maris Grove. I will miss those.

May your spirit continue to sparkle in all of the lives you have touched. And yes, I have lost a bit of my sparkle in the passing of my dear friend, mentor, and adopted mom, but my fond memories of Bette will slowly restore it. Rest in peace. 

Written by Diane McNitt, long-time Press Club member and former board member